L'HEPTADE

L'Heptade is Harmonium's third and final studio album - a sprawling double concept album based on the theme of the seven levels of consciousness. It follows a central character as he journeys through different states of awareness, ultimately reaching a place of clarity and wisdom.

Some listeners might draw parallels with Genesis's The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, but L'Heptade's approach is far more meditative, deeply rooted in Eastern and Buddhist philosophy. There are no surreal, psychedelic, or grotesque detours here - instead, the narrative is introspective, emotional, and poetic.

Musically, the band had evolved significantly since their earlier work. The album features the addition of drummer Denis Farmer, whose dynamic playing adds a rhythmic foundation. Original bassist Louis Valois is still there whose work, in Fiori's shadow, was essential. Electric guitarist Robert Stanley brings tasteful solos and sometimes understated work, and Monique Fauteux contributes expressive vocals and Rhode Piano. The renowned arranger and composer Neil Chotem elevates the whole project with lush orchestral arrangements and sweeping interludes that connect the songs beautifully. It should be noted that Michel Normandeau, the band's original second guitarist, left early in the recording process, but he help to writing several songs with Fiori.

The result is a rich blend of symphonic prog, jazz, folk, and contemporary classical music. While Harmonium started out as a folk trio, L'Heptade is firmly in the realm of symphonic progressive rock, though always with a unique Québécois flavor.

The lyrics, written and sung by Serge Fiori, are in Quebec French and full of emotion, metaphor, and colloquial language - which can make them challenging to understand, even for fluent French speakers. But Fiori's voice carries the emotion so effectively that the language barrier becomes secondary.

The album consists of seven core songs, plus a prologue, an epilogue, and several orchestral interludes. Unlike their previous album (Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison), L'Heptade contains no radio-friendly singles - the shortest track is over seven minutes long.

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest double albums in all of progressive rock. It's not just ambitious - it's emotionally profound, musically adventurous, and executed with tremendous care. The vocal melodies and harmonies are gorgeous, and the instrumentation is consistently excellent. Wind instruments (saxophone, clarinet, flute) are prominent throughout, while Serge Locat's work on piano, Moog, and Mellotron adds atmosphere and depth. Although the electric guitar is used more sparingly, Robert Stanley's solos are deeply moving and always serve the music.

If the album loses a bit of momentum near the end, it quickly regains it with a powerful, transcendent finale. This is a work that rewards repeated listening - not just for its complexity, but for its emotional resonance.

Highlights:

Comme un fou, Chanson noire, Premier ciel, Le corridor (featuring a stunning vocal performance by Monique Fauteux)

Poignantly, Serge Fiori Harmonium's frontman, lyricist, and creative heart passed away on June 24th, Quebec's national holiday. He leaves behind a timeless body of work that defined an era and continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike.

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